DeltaWing wants to license wedge-shaped design to carmakers

DeltaWing Technologies Inc. plans to license its wedge-shaped design to carmakers as a template for a lightweight and efficient production car. The developer of the DeltaWing race car released last week the first computer rendering of its planned road car – which pointy nose characteristics is very distinct from any street cars currently available in the market.

Despite the uniqueness of the design, DeltaWing insists that it works when it comes to lightweight construction and fuel efficiency. DeltaWing owner -- racing mogul Don Panoz – remarked that their race car already competes “at the highest levels of road racing” using just half the weight, half the horsepower and almost half of the fuel consumption.

He said that DeltaWing would also be able to deliver similar results on the roads without compromising safety and comfort as well as performance. DeltaWing is planning a four-seater road car powered by a small four-cylinder engine that provides between 85 hp to 110 hp.

The company is targeting to achieve an acceleration time of six seconds from zero to 60 mph time and a mileage of 70 mpg. DeltaWing President Al Speyer told Automotive News in April that for its platform to have an impact in the marketplace, the company needs to have a sales and distribution channel that a current carmaker has.

“Many of the aerodynamic, lightweight and handling benefits of the race car can translate to the street,” said Don Panoz, chairman of DeltaWing Technologies Inc. “We are competing at the highest levels of road racing with half the weight, half the horsepower, and nearly half of the fuel consumption. We believe we can deliver similar results on the street without compromising safety, comfort and performance. We have a formula that’s highly efficient and still fun to drive.” [source: DeltaWing Technologies]